Knowing These Five Food Trends Will Make You A MasterChef In 2019

MasterChef 2017 second runner-up Karlie Verkerk gave 10 daily an exclusive heads up on what's hot in the kitchen this year.

From no waste to no meat, here's what's cooking.

Plants, please

Mums around the country will welcome the news that we'll all be getting our daily serve of fruit and veggies as plant-based cooking is only going to get bigger in 2019.

If the thought of going cold turkey on ... turkey isn't exactly your thang, ease yourself in by sautéing, steaming or roasting your fave veg -- according to Verkerk these cooking techniques help maximise the natural flavours.

"Plus you can add your own flavours into the mix too with your favourite herbs and spices," she said.

Go with your gut

Gut-friendly foods such as kombucha, fermented and preserved vegetables, and foods like sauerkraut and kimchi are set to become even more popular in Verkerk's opinion.

Treating your tummy well isn't just about being on trend. Scientists are beginning to understand that a happy gut can mean a happy body -- and mind -- after all.